🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

F-350

Year:

2012

Platform:

P356 (Ford F-Series 12th Generation)

Vehicle Identification Number Vin Decoder:

Refer to manual for VIN decoding procedures.

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Heavy-duty pickup truck (Class 2b/3).

Target Audience:

Commercial users, fleet operators, towing enthusiasts, heavy-duty work vehicle owners.

Competitors:

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD, Ram 2500/3500.

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust build, high towing and payload capacity, powerful engine options, durable chassis.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential technical data and procedures for accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, enabling owners and technicians to keep the vehicle in optimal working condition.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for all major systems.

Pages:

Over 2,500 pages (estimated based on typical workshop manuals for this vehicle).

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (gasoline & diesel), transmission (automatic & manual), transfer case, drivetrain components.

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic & parking), wheels, tires, frame.

Electrical:

12V electrical system, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), anti-lock braking system (ABS), supplemental restraint system (SRS) / airbags.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, power steering, transmission), filter replacements, lubrication.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) diagnostics.

Repair:

Engine repair (short block, long block, cylinder heads, timing components), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component replacement.

Installation:

Component installation, accessory installation, module replacement and programming.

Depth:

In-depth diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, component locations, specifications and tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-site workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Gasoline Engine Option 1:

6.2L Triton V8 (SOHC, 16-valve)

Gasoline Engine Option 1 Power:

362 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Gasoline Engine Option 1 Torque:

441 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm

Diesel Engine Option 1:

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel (SOHC, 32-valve)

Diesel Engine Option 1 Power:

390 hp @ 2,800 rpm

Diesel Engine Option 1 Torque:

735 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm

Fuel Delivery Gasoline:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) with piezo injectors

Engine Cooling:

Pressurized liquid cooling system.

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter (gasoline), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection (SCR system on some models/calibrations).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Gasoline:

TorqueShift 6-speed SelectShift Automatic

Transmission Diesel:

TorqueShift 6-speed SelectShift Automatic

Transmission Manual:

6-speed Manual Transmission (available on some configurations, primarily diesel).

Transmission Cooling:

Auxiliary transmission fluid cooler (standard on towing packages and diesel models).

Transfer Case:

Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) transfer case or standard 4x4 transfer case.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Single Rear Wheel:

142.0 inches (3607 mm)

Wheelbase Dual Rear Wheel:

140.1 inches (3559 mm)

Overall Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (approx. 230-260 inches).

Bed Length:

6.75 ft (81 inches) or 8.0 ft (96 inches) depending on configuration.

Curb Weight:

Starts around 6,000 lbs (2722 kg) and increases with configuration and engine.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Up to 13,500 lbs (6123 kg) for certain configurations.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 24,700 lbs (11,204 kg) with proper equipment and configuration.

Payload Capacity:

Up to 5,600 lbs (2540 kg) with proper configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Typically 3-star (refer to specific model year NHTSA data for precise ratings).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Trailer Sway Control:

Available Trailer Sway Control (TSC).

Airbags:

Front airbags for driver and passenger. Available side-curtain airbags (depending on cab configuration).

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.

Structure:

High-strength steel frame and body structure for enhanced crash protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Ford SYNC with voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and auxiliary input. Optional navigation system.

Parking Assist:

Available rear parking sensors.

Camera Systems:

Available rearview camera for easier hitching and maneuvering.

Usb Ports:

Standard USB ports for device charging and media playback.

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Gasoline: 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months. Diesel: 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 6 months, or per oil life monitor. (Refer to manual for specific conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions. Diesel engine air filter inspection interval is shorter.

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Primary fuel filter: 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as indicated by fuel filter restriction sensor. Secondary fuel filter: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) under normal towing/hauling conditions. Refer to manual for severe duty.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

SAE 5W-20, API SN certified. (e.g., Motorcraft Synthetic Blend).

Engine Oil Diesel:

SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 low-ash synthetic diesel engine oil meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C171-E. (e.g., Motorcraft Super Duty Diesel Engine Oil).

Coolant:

Ford Premium Gold Coolant (VC-7B) or equivalent, meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B51-A1. (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

MERCON LV (e.g., Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid (e.g., Motorcraft High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid).

Diesel Injector Issues:

Early 6.7L Power Stroke models could experience injector failures. The manual covers diagnostic procedures and replacement.

Dpf Clogging Diesel:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging can occur with excessive short trips or improper regeneration. Manual covers DPF diagnostics and forced regeneration procedures.

Front End Alignment:

Heavy-duty trucks can be prone to front end wear. Manual provides specifications for alignment and component checks.

Erotic Module Issues:

Some electronic module failures may occur. Manual details diagnostic trees and module replacement procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Truck Legacy:

Ford has a long-standing reputation for building durable and capable trucks, dating back to the Model AA Truck in the late 1920s. The F-Series line has been America's best-selling truck for decades.

F Series 12Th Gen:

The 2011-2016 F-Series represented the 12th generation, which saw significant updates in styling, interior, and powertrain options, including the introduction of the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine and the revised TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission.

Manufacturing Location:

Typically produced at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

Ford F-Series models have frequently won MotorTrend's 'Truck of the Year' award, including for the generation this manual covers.

Kbb Best Resale Value:

Ford F-Series trucks are consistently recognized by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) for strong resale value in their segments.

Towing Performance Reviews:

Critically acclaimed for its towing and hauling capabilities, often receiving high marks in automotive reviews for its Power Stroke diesel and robust chassis.